Oxbridge Summer Scholars at the University of Oxford

About Oxford

The University of Oxford, founded in the 11th Century, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is located in the city of Oxford and is comprised of 44 colleges and halls. It is renowned for its strong programs in a range of disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences, as well as its world-class research centres and libraries. Oxford has a long tradition of producing successful alumni, including Nobel Laureates, 30 UK Prime Ministers, and other notable figures in politics, literature and the arts.

Our December 2023 program will take place at the University of Oxford. Applications are open now!

Experience the University of Oxford

  • OXFORD'S COLLEGES

    Each Oxford college has its own unique history, traditions, and architecture. Christ Church was the inspiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. Magdalen College boasts a deer park and an iconic clock tower. Pembroke College has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere while Wadham College has a strong tradition of activism. Some colleges, such as Balliol and Merton, date back to the Middle Ages, while others such as Green Templeton and Nuffield are more modern. Each college has its own distinctive charm, and students will have the opportunity to experience Oxford’s diversity during this program.

  • TRADITIONS & CULTURE

    Oxford University has many rich traditions that have been passed down for centuries. For example, wearing the sub-fusc during matriculation, graduation and exams is a well-known tradition. During the weekly formal dinner, known as "hall", students and fellows dine together in formal attire. The annual Oxford-Cambridge boat race is also one of the most famous sporting events in the world. Additionally, each college has its own traditions, such as Magdalen College's May Day celebrations and St John's College's famous "crocodile procession". These traditions create a sense of community, connecting students to the university's history and culture.

  • ALUMNI

    Oxford University has a long list of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in diverse fields. Some of the university’s most famous alumni include J.R.R. Tolkien, author of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Stephen Hawking, theoretical physicist and author of "A Brief History of Time", and Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate and human rights activist.

Science, Technology & Society (STS) at Oxford

Our STS stream is tailored towards students interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), and the analysis of the interdisciplinary impact of STEM on our society.

STS will be best suited for students interested in the following undergraduate courses at the University of Oxford: Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular), Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences (Geology), Engineering Science, Human Sciences, Materials Science, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics.

STS also covers some ideas from the following courses: Geography, History, Law, and Philosophy.

BIOLOGY & RELATED FIELDS

  • Introduction to Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

  • Applications of Bioinformatics

  • Science, Technology, and the Environment

  • Biomedical Technologies

  • Bioethics in the Medical Field

CHEMISTRY & RELATED FIELDS

  • Biochemistry of the Living World

  • Pioneers in Chemistry: How Chemistry Changed the World

  • Chemistry in Industry

  • Food Chemistry and the Consumer

  • Advanced Chemistry Topics

PHYSICS

  • Introduction to Quantum Physics

  • The Final Frontier: The Impact of Aerospace Technology

  • Physics for Engineering

  • Kinetics and Magnetism

  • Thermal Physics, Electricity and Optics

MATHEMATICS

  • Computational Mathematics Fundamentals

  • Engineering the Future: Maths for Engineering

  • Pure Mathematics

  • Understanding Statistical Models

COMPUTER SCIENCE

  • The Rise of Artificial Intelligence

  • Advanced Computer Systems

  • Introduction to Python

  • Programming Methodology

INTERDISCIPLINARY: APPLICATIONS OF SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS

  • Building a Better World: Science and Technology in Developing Countries

  • Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Gender and Science

  • Public Policy in Innovation

  • Social Constructions of Science and Technology

Humanities, Social Impact & Entrepreneurship (HSIE) at Oxford

The HSIE stream targets students interested in the applications of humanities, social and political sciences, and business management to leadership and meaningful social impact.

HSIE will be best suited for students interested in the following undergraduate courses at the University of Oxford: Archaeology and Anthropology, Classics, Economics and Management, English Language and Literature, Geography, History, Human Sciences, Law, Modern Languages, Philosophy, PPE, Psychology and Behavioural Science.

HSIE also covers some ideas from the following courses: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Medicine, and Theology and Religion.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

  • Addressing Systemic Challenges: Equality in Business

  • Social Finance and Impact Investing

  • Case Studies: Global Conglomerates of the 21st Century

  • Mock Pitching Workshop: Business and Social Impact

ECONOMICS

  • Introduction to Macroeconomics and Microeconomics

  • Starting and Scaling Successful Ventures

  • International Markets: Managing Risk and Uncertainty

  • The Theory and Practice of Economics, Politics, and Public Policy

ENGLISH, LINGUISTICS & LANGUAGES

  • The Romance Languages

  • Germanic Languages and the Evolution of English

  • British Literature in Historical and Cultural Context

  • Writing Workshop (available for Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Non-Fiction)

  • Write the Future: The Role of Speculative Fiction in Social Change

HISTORY & CLASSICS

  • Love, Tragedy and Comedy: Masterpieces of Greek Literature

  • War and Conquest: The Roman, Persian, Mongolian and Ottoman Empires

  • Introduction to British History

  • Dictatorships of the 20th Century

  • Global Powers in the 21st Century

PHILOSOPHY & PSYCHOLOGY

  • Venturing Out of the Cave: Foundations of Ancient Greek Philosophy

  • Philosophy of the Natural Sciences

  • Debates in Modern Psychology

  • Theories in Perception and Cognition

  • Experimental Design and Ethics in Clinical Psychology

INTERDISCIPLINARY: APPLICATIONS OF HUMANITIES & BUSINESS

  • The United Nations and International Public Policy

  • Ethics and Leadership in the Social Sciences

  • International Business: Cultural Anthropology and History for Business

Art, Design & Architecture (ADA) at Oxford

Our ADA stream is designed for students with a passion for the visual arts. ADA scholars are interested in developing and refining their knowledge in drawing and painting techniques, art history, graphic design, digital media, sustainable design, urban planning, and architectural history.

ADA will be best suited for students interested in the following undergraduate courses at the University of Oxford: Fine Art, Architecture and History of Art.

ADA also covers some ideas from the following courses: Classics, History, Philosophy, and Theology and Religion.

FINE ARTS

  • Drawing Fundamentals: Theory and Practice

  • Painting Techniques and Materials

  • Sculpture: From Concept to Creation

  • Printmaking: Traditional and Contemporary Approaches

  • Portfolio Building

HISTORY OF ART

  • Medieval and Renaissance Art

  • Art Around the World: East Asia, Africa, and the Middle East

  • Contemporary Art and Visual Culture

  • Women Artists of the 20th Century

ARCHITECTURE & URBAN PLANNING

  • Art and Architecture in Ancient Greece and Rome

  • Digital Architecture and Computer-Aided Design

  • Architectural Theory and Criticism

  • Sustainable Design and Green Architecture

  • Urban Design and Planning: In the Context of Globalization

GRAPHIC DESIGN

  • Graphic Design Fundamentals

  • Typography and Layout Design

  • The World of UX: Optimizing User Experience

  • Branding and Identity Design

FASHION DESIGN

  • Fashion Design Studio: From Concept to Creation

  • Fashion Branding and Marketing Strategies

  • Sustainable Fashion: Materials and Practices

  • Fashion Illustration Techniques

INTERDISCIPLINARY: APPLICATIONS OF VISUAL ART

  • Mock Art-School Critique

  • Professional Practice: Building a Career in Art, Design and Architecture

  • Artist Debate: What Makes Art Impactful?

  • Cross-Curricular Practice: The Interdisciplinary Nature of Art